Campus Mourns the Passing of Former Dean Paul Reichert
Former Kent State University at Ashtabula Dean Paul Reichert passed away on Nov. 29, 2020 at the age of 92. Dean Reichert led the campus for 23 years and oversaw the move from downtown Ashtabula to the campus’s current location, the creation of 12 associate degree programs and the first baccalaureate programs, among many other notable accomplishments.
“I knew I could count on Paul to answer questions about the history of the campus and the buildings on the campus,” said Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D. “He remained engaged and vital.”
Contributions in Dean Reichert’s memory may be made to the Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc., sent to Dean Stocker’s attention at 3300 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004.
Star Beacon Obituary
Paul Reichert passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 29, 2020. He was born August 21, 1928 in Wauseon, Ohio, the youngest of eight children born to Frank and Rosetta (Bogart) Reichert. His parents and seven brothers and sisters preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Edith Reichert, whom he married June 6, 1953, children, daughter Kathie Reichert of Ashtabula, son Steve Reichert (Kathy) of Ashtabula, and daughter Ann Marie Polovick (Steve) of Westerville, OH and seven grandchildren: Megan Reichert, Michael (Liz) and David DeWitt, Emma, Patrick, Marcus and Katy Polovick.
Paul grew up in Wauseon and upon completion of high school in 1946, he studied at Defiance College where he was graduated with both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees.
He began teaching in the Conneaut City Schools in 1950 where he served as a teacher and principal. He completed his Master's Degree in School Administration at Kent State University in 1953.
Reichert was appointed Assistant Director of Kent State University, Ashtabula Center in 1962 and the following year as Director and then Dean, holding that position for 23 years before retired in 1985. He also served as Interim Dean for two different periods at the Trumbull Campus of Kent State University in the early 90's. He attained the rank of Associate Professor in the College of Education.
During Dean Reichert's administration, the Ashtabula Campus expanded to include a building in the Buckeye School System and under his leadership, acquired the present campus site donated by Oliver Topky. He coordinated the construction of the first three buildings from 1963 to 1972. Reichert worked with community donors in developing the outdoor Reading Court, Performing Arts Center, Pinney Tennis Courts and Jammal baseball field.
Recognizing the need for progress in technical education, he implemented one of the first in the state in Office Administration and merged the Northeast Technical Institute into the Kent campus program. Twelve associate degree programs including nursing were developed during Dean Reichert's tenure. The enrollment grew from 226 students to more than 1200.
In 2016, Reichert was inducted into Wauseon High School's Hall of Fame of Distinguished Alumni. Active in the community, Reichert was a member of the Conneaut Junior Chamber of Commerce where he received an award as Outstanding Jaycee, President of the Lakeshore Recreation Center, President of the Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce for two terms, member of the Kiwanis Club and Ashtabula Area Development Corporation. He was also a director of the Commercial Bank and Bank One of Northeast Ohio. He was a former Commodore and lifetime member of Redbrook Boat Club where he loved spending his summers on the Lake. He has been a member of Mother of Sorrows Church, Our Lady of Peace Parrish since 1965.
Remembrances to Ashtabula Area College Committee, Kent State University, Ashtabula, OH. A private service for family only will be held. A public celebration of life for family and friends will be arranged and held in 2021.
Published on November 29, 2020